New York’s Javits Center Offers Free Wireless Throughout Facility

May 10, 2015

New York Convention Center Operating Corporation President and CEO Alan Steel unveiled the launch of free wireless service – up to 256K of bandwidth – for all customers and visitors at the Javits Center, the busiest convention center in the United States.

With free wireless service throughout the facility, visitors can experience online access on their mobile devices while in and around the iconic structure on Manhattan’s West Side. Customers who prefer greater connectivity for larger data downloads will be charged at specific rates per day.

The wireless service is part of a new state-of-the-art technology system installed at the Javits Center, providing the facility with one of the most advanced systems among convention centers nationwide. The new system includes a consolidated data center, hundreds of new access points, new back-up power supply units and a tracking system to monitor on-site service requests.

Each year, the Javits Center hosts more than two million visitors and 35,000 exhibiting companies who conduct millions of dollars of business with mobile devices throughout the 2.1 million square-foot building.

“With the installation of our new technology system, the Javits Center is wired for success like never before,” Steel said. “We understand the importance of wireless access, and we are happy to provide free service throughout the facility to accommodate visitors who want to send email or search the Internet. For any convention center to succeed today, it must have superior technology to accommodate the countless wireless transactions of data and dollars during an event, and our advanced infrastructure can do just that.”

Vice President and Chief Information Officer Mark Sims said, “Wireless access is an integral part of business today, and thanks to our new modern infrastructure, our customers can conduct transactions in a seamless fashion in any area of the building. Nearly 30 years ago, this iconic building was constructed in order to spur economic activity, and our new technology capabilities will certainly generate even more business opportunities in the years to come.”

As the Javits Center’s recent top-to-bottom renovation project was implemented, several significant technological upgrades were installed throughout the building in order to ensure reliable connectivity, provide visitors with easier web access and offer greater flexibility for customers.

Prior to this technological overhaul, there were severe connectivity issues inside the building, including outdated circuits, limited wireless signals and service gaps, that mandated a new focus on technology to enhance the customer experience and adapt for future advances in technology.

Among the new system’s highlights are:       

•       Enhanced infrastructure. Upgraded 85% of the exhibition hall data cabling to Category 6 Ethernet standards (8,000 data drops) – enhancing our capability to provide more reliable and consistent information technology (IT) services;

•       More access points. Installed and cabled more than 700 wireless access points, forming the foundation of a high-density wireless system, which provides more reliable connectivity for up to 70,000 users at any one time throughout the building;

•       High-quality networking equipment. This equipment will enable the Javits Center to design and deliver IT services to provide the best value and return on investment for the Javits Center and our customers;

•       Back-up power. Installed back-up uninterruptible power supply units (UPS), which will keep IT equipment powered up in the event of a short-power failure until full extricate power is restored;

•       Comprehensive on-site redundancy. On-site redundancy has been built into the design of the critical core and edge IT networking equipment. All such dual equipment has been configured to failover seamlessly or with minimal service interruption; and

•       Antenna system. Installed a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) with the country’s major wireless carriers, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint, enabling reliable cellphone signals throughout the entire facility.

In addition to installing advanced equipment, the Javits Center’s Technology Solutions Department also has taken several steps to improve customer service, such as the implementation of a tracking system to manage service requests, increasing the efficiency and accountability of its employees.

The department also collaborated with leading industry organizations to provide employee training and establish an IT governance council to explore future trends.

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact